By IRNA,
Beijing : President Dmitri Medvedev of Russia and President Hu Jintao of China met Friday to conclude a deal on nuclear cooperation and together condemn US proposals for a missile shield in Europe.
Both countries called the US plan a setback to international trust that was likely to upset the balance of power.
Medvedev’s choice of China for an early diplomatic foray as president seemed to signal a desire to continue Moscow’s assertive foreign policy – particularly toward the United States – that was a hallmark of his predecessor, Vladimir Putin, during his eight years in office.
The announcements came as the neighbors, who challenged the United States – and each other – during the Cold War, grapple with newer tensions over an array of military and economic issues, including their rivalry over the energy resources of Central Asia.
Medvedev arrived in China after a visit to Kazakhstan, which is seen as an important part of Moscow’s regional energy plans.